COURSE CURRICULUM

The MA Dissertation and Research Design module provides students with the opportunity to conduct a substantial research project aligned with their personal or professional interests. This project allows for the application of theoretical and methodological knowledge acquired throughout the course. Students are expected to engage in critical thinking, demonstrate originality, and produce a coherent and well-structured piece of research that reflects a deep understanding of their chosen subject. The module also helps develop advanced research skills, including the formulation of research questions, critical evaluation of sources, methodological design, data analysis, and academic writing.The Theorising International Relations module explores key classical and contemporary theories that shape the discipline of international relations. Students examine how different theoretical perspectives such as realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theories interpret international politics. These theories are applied to historical and current case studies, enabling students to understand their practical implications and limitations. The module encourages analytical thinking and helps students evaluate global events through various theoretical lenses.Students are also required to choose one of two core modules: Global Policy Making: Environment and Human Rights, or Theorising Human Rights. The Global Policy Making module focuses on the processes and challenges involved in formulating international policies related to environmental issues and human rights. It investigates the roles of global institutions, states, and non-governmental actors in shaping these policies and considers how competing priorities and values influence outcomes. The Theorising Human Rights module engages with debates around the conceptual foundations of human rights. It examines tensions between universalist and relativist perspectives and explores how different international relations theories conceptualize rights. The module encourages critical reflection on the philosophical and political dimensions of human rights, preparing students to engage with complex ethical and global issues. Together, these modules offer a comprehensive understanding of theory and practice in international relations and human rights.